Turns, twists, and paradoxes

Notes

If two amazing illustrations are anything to go by, people seem to especially like the ending of the first chapter. That made me think. What was up with Cross during Dream’s breakdown?

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X-tra 1

Cross doesn't know what to think. His soul is frozen, and his mind is on fire, that's what it feels like. So cold, so hot, burning and hurting all the same.

He closes the portal, somewhat comforted by the familiarity of the process. It feels so natural. It's been so long since that time when he had no idea how to do that, or about the Multiverse and code.

It is not the time for reminiscing. Cross' eyes never leave Dream’s figure, so close yet so distant. His love's fighting so much more than just inner demons. That voice Nightmare so insistently warned Dream about. The negativity. The curse.

All too soon Dream breaks under the pressure — fortunately, not in a way that would matter in the long run. Just for now. Cross grits his teeth as his love falls on the knees like a marionette with its strings suddenly cut. Like there's nothing to hold on to.

Cross doesn't move. Doesn't make a sound. His soul aches and his eye-lights are fuzzy, although no tears fall. More than anything, he wants to get down beside Dream and hug him tight, hiding from the world in the embrace. Whisper reassuring words or stay silent, coax into talking his pain out or stroke the back of his skull without anything said, or everything at once, just... be there. Be close. Give solace and protection.

More than anything, Cross wants that.

Only... This isn't about him.

So, as Dream weeps and wails, tears streaming from his only good socket down the cheek, sobs and incoherent screams escaping his throat, Cross stands guard. Although they are in the void, no threat should come their way. But it's not the outside world Cross readies himself to protect Dream from. After all, the greatest danger is within.

Unsure what to do with his hands, Cross clenches both into fists. It'd be so much easier if there were someone physical to fight.

Nothing's ever been simple in their life.

Suddenly, Dream lets out a long, loud, wordless cry filled with raw pain. Cross can’t help but jerk to his side, wishing to hold him, show him he's not alone, he'll never be. Anything to share his misery, if not take it away fully.

Cross doesn't move. It's not the time, not yet. His haste could hurt Dream even more. They can't afford that.

Dream keeps screaming and soon finds his words. Quickly, abruptly he bawls about all the injustice and heartbreak the world has ever brought upon him, his soul too wretched and his mind reeling, words blending with no hope to understand any of them. Cross only catches Nightmare’s name a few times, something about the Tree, apples, and being guardians. It’s for the best, he thinks, for Dream is likely not ready to share everything he now spills into the world. Cross needs to know what’s going on, but he also respects Dream’s boundaries. He’d never overstep on purpose. He stays in his place, waiting with all the patience he’s got for Dream to pour his pain out.

For now, Dream’s the only one who can help himself. As much as this uselessness hurts, as easy as it is for Cross to deem himself worthless because of that, he’s determined enough to continue. Despite everything.

Dream needs him. As soon as he’s ready to get help, Cross will be there. For now, he lets Dream weep.

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Credits:

Undertale © Toby Fox

Dreamtale © jokublog

Cross © jakei95 / xtaleunderverse

Shattered!Dream © shattereddreamsau

Dark Cream © zu-is-here

X-tra Dark Cream © me (anfie / anfie-in-the-box)

Read it on ao3

Read Russian version on ficbook or fanficus

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Notes

I never intended to do anything like this. It's just what you all get for beind such a lovely audience (;

Thanks for reading, and take care!

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